Trigger warning: Residential Schools

Foundry is deeply devastated to learn that remains of 215 children were found on the grounds of the Kamloops Indian Residential School. So many children were taken from their families from many Nations and communities as a result of the residential school system. We keep all of those who did not have a child return home, as well as the survivors of residential schools, in our hearts today and always.

We extend our thoughts to the Tk’emlups Secwépemc First Nation and all of the Indigenous communities, Nations, families and youth who have been affected by this tragic discovery.

This news impacts Indigenous Peoples in ways that bring forward unimaginable trauma. We encourage survivors and family members to reach out for support. We thank the First Nations Health Authority for calling on health partners to mobilize supports for the Tk’emlúps community and others as circumstances unfold.

Here are supports and services available to those who need it:

  • National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1 866-925-4419
  • KUU-US Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717
  • Tsow-Tun-Le-Lum Society: 1-888-403-3123 or 250-390-3123
  • Indian Residential School Survivors Society: 604-985-4464 or 1-800-721-0066

We honour the children whose lives have been lost at the hands of colonization, residential schools and incomprehensible violence. They are not forgotten, and we must keep all of them in our work every day.

Our hearts are heavy and communities are in pain, but we as a settler organization must continue to learn and unlearn our history and acknowledge our role within the structures that harm Indigenous youth. We must bring attention to the needs of Indigenous communities today, and step up to support intergenerational and Elders survivors of residential school. We encourage non-Indigenous allies to please donate to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society as uptake of their supports and services – and their need for resourcing – increases in response to this tragic news.

-Foundry’s Indigenous Wellness team